Are you craving a breath of fresh air by the beach? Looking to escape the hustle and bustle in the Netherlands and embrace the laid-back island life?
Spend a weekend on Ameland!
You can camp in the scenic dunes while taking in 27 kilometers of stunning beaches, charming villages, picturesque views, and unforgettable experiences. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to one of the Netherlands’ most unique holiday destinations and share all the details about the most beautiful beach campsite, along with the top things to do on Ameland.
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Camping at Camping Duinoord Ameland
The best way to experience a natural destination like this is by camping in its heart. If you’ve always dreamed of spending the night in your own dune hollow or right on the edge of the forest near the dunes, Camping Duinoord Ameland should definitely be on your bucket list.
This charming beach campsite is located just north of the village of Nes on Ameland, right by the stunning wide sandy beach the island is famous for. While you’ll be surrounded by the most beautiful nature and fall asleep to the soothing sound of the sea, you’ll also have all the comforts you need. The site offers a launderette, a camping shop with fresh bread rolls during the high season, and even Wi-Fi. If you don’t have your own tent, you can rent a fully equipped one from Duinoord. Their stylish bell tents for up to four people or the sturdy safari tents for five offer a fantastic glamping experience on Ameland!
If you prefer more comfort, you can opt for a chalet. Duinoord offers cozy chalets for those who want a little extra luxury while staying in the same beautiful dune location. Looking for even more luxury or comfort? Just around the corner from Camping Duinoord, you’ll find luxury beach apartments available at Landal Ameland State and a gorgeous villa in Hollum that accommodates seven guests.
How to get to Ameland?
Your weekend on Ameland begins as soon as you start your journey to the island! Like the other Wadden Islands, Ameland can only be reached by ferry. The boat departs from Holwerd in Friesland and crosses the Wadden Sea, taking you to your destination in about 50 minutes.
There is also a faster option available. A special boat that carries passengers without cars can get you to the island in just 20 minutes. However, this service comes with an additional surcharge of €7.65. Ameland is not a car-free island, so you can also bring your car along. This is only possible on the regular ferry, though. Tickets for the ferry can be quite expensive, so it is a good idea to reserve your spot online in advance. You can find the exact prices on the ferry’s website. If you decide not to bring a car, you can park it at the harbor in Holwerd for a fee.
Tip: rent a bicycle at Kiewiet Bicycle Rental immediately upon arrival at the port. The company also has a location at Strandcamping Duinoord and will bring your luggage to the campsite for free.
10 Best Things to Do on Ameland
#1 The Lighthouse of Ameland
Every island has its iconic landmark, and for Ameland, that landmark is undoubtedly the lighthouse. This historic building is well worth a visit. The cast-iron lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1881, warning them of the shallow and often dangerous waters surrounding the island. While the sea is now monitored by cameras instead of a lighthouse keeper, the lighthouse still stands as an important symbol of the island. Today, it primarily attracts tourists who come to see this literal highlight of Ameland.
Despite its historical role, the lighthouse continues to serve its purpose. Every evening, the tower’s light still shines brightly, casting its beams across the island. The striking red and white tower reaches 55 meters in height, so be ready for quite a climb. But after climbing the 236 steps, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the island and the surrounding sea. Along the way, you’ll pass several exhibits about the lighthouse’s fascinating history, providing you with a perfect opportunity to rest and catch your breath.
For the best experience, it’s highly recommended to visit the lighthouse during low tide. At this time, you’ll have the chance to see the deep channels at the bottom of the Wadden Sea from the top, offering a truly unique and breathtaking view.
#2 The Robben Boat
The Wadden Sea is inseparably linked to seals, so during your weekend trip to Ameland, you’ll surely want to see these remarkable animals in their natural environment. To do that, you can easily book a ticket for the Robben boat! This two-hour round trip takes you to the seal bank located between Terschelling and Ameland, where you’ll almost certainly spot seals in their natural habitat. As you make your way through the sea, the skipper will provide fascinating insights about the seals, the local nature, and the Wadden Sea itself.
What makes the Wadden Sea particularly special is its combination of shallow areas and deeper channels, and the Robben boat is specially designed to navigate these waters, even at low tide. You’ll find the Robben boat docked at the harbor in Nes, where the ferry also arrives, making it easy to hop on and set off on your adventure.
#3 Mudflat walking
The best way to truly experience the Wadden Sea is by walking on the mudflats during low tide! This activity is still high on our travel bucket list, and we believe it’s a unique and unforgettable experience to walk on the seabed between the islands when the water is low. It’s highly recommended to go with a guide, as there are channels where water remains, making the mudflats feel like a maze. A guide will ensure that you stay on track and safely make it back before the tide starts to rise again. Along the way, the guide will share interesting insights about the remarkable nature of the Wadden Sea, and if you’re lucky, you may even encounter seals along the path.
You can walk on the mudflats around Ameland, but it’s truly a special experience to cross from Friesland to Ameland on foot during a mudflat excursion, rather than simply taking the ferry. Just be sure to bring your boots and some dry clothes for afterward, as walking on the mudflats can get very wet and muddy!
#4 The villages of Ameland
Ameland is home to four delightful villages: Ballum, Hollum, Nes, and Buren. Each village features a charming town center that’s definitely worth exploring. Since the island isn’t very large, you’ll find it easy to visit all four villages during your stay on Ameland.
Hollum
Although Nes was once the most important village on Ameland, Hollum has now claimed that top spot. In fact, in 2020, Hollum was ranked among the top 5 most beautiful villages in the Netherlands! The island’s whaling captains brought prosperity to the region, building stunning homes that you can still admire today in the heart of Hollum. Notable attractions in the village include the 17th-century church, the cemetery with its unique tombstones, the Sorgdrager Museum, the functioning windmill, and of course, the iconic lighthouse.
Nes
Nes is likely the most visited village on Ameland. On the southern side of the village, you’ll find the harbor where the ferry docks. Camping Duinoord is conveniently located in the dunes just to the north of Nes, and it’s only a short walk from the village center. While Nes offers the same picturesque charm as the other villages, it is home to the most shops, restaurants, and pubs. If you’re looking for a place to relax with a cold beer on a terrace, Nes is the place to be. For those interested in history and culture, you can visit the ancient church, the corn mill, or the fire spray house in the village.
Tip: Did you know that free guided tours are available in both Nes and Hollum? Taking a free tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the charm and history of these lovely villages!
Ballum
Next, let’s explore the villages of Ballum and Buren. Ballum is located between western Hollum and Nes, while Buren lies further to the east of the island. Ballum is the smallest village on Ameland, with a population of just 350 residents. The castle of the Free Lords of Ameland once stood near Ballum, but unfortunately, no traces of it remain today. The town hall now stands on the same spot where the castle once was. The village is known for its distinctive houses, a free-standing bell tower made of yellow stone, and a protected village center. One particularly interesting site to visit is the Baarhuisje, located in the cemetery. When the town hall is open, you can pick up the key there to explore the Baarhuisje. Inside, you’ll find the old tombstone of the former Free Lords of Ameland, as well as other residents of the castle. The stone, which weighs 3,000 kilos and dates back to the 16th century, was originally housed in a church before the Baarhuisje was built.
Buren
The village of Buren is the youngest on Ameland, meaning it’s less historic and has a more spacious feel. Originally a farming community, Buren is now home to a beachcomber’s museum, where visitors can view a fascinating collection of beach finds. However, the most popular attraction in Buren is the Nassau cage. This duck decoy was established by Princess Amalia of Nassau, who purchased the island around 1700 and became the Lady of Ameland. The cage was cleverly designed to trap ducks, which the Nassau family would either eat or sell to other wealthy families. Guided tours of the Nassau cage are offered regularly, providing an insightful glimpse into the island’s history.
#5 Dive Into the Nature of Ameland
Ameland is truly defined by its breathtaking natural beauty, and no visit to the island is complete without immersing yourself in its remarkable landscapes. Whether you’re taking a leisurely walk or enjoying a bike ride, the island offers plenty of ways to experience nature. However, there are also some special places where you can connect with nature in a more extraordinary way.
One such experience is the barefoot path at the Ameland Nature Center, located in the village of Nes. As you walk along, your feet will be in direct contact with the natural surroundings, including soft sand and shells, allowing you to feel a deeper connection to the island’s diverse ecosystems. Alternatively, you can embark on a Dutch safari. In both the Kooiduinen and the Hagedoornveld, you can take part in an “eco safari”, a guided adventure through the natural beauty of Ameland in electric, silent off-road vehicles. You can choose to explore the stunning forest and dune areas of the Hagedoornveld, which are typically closed to the public, or opt for the Kooiduinen, known for its vibrant and unique flowers. The tours through Hagedoornveld are offered only in the mornings, when the area is still untouched by the day’s activities.
#6 A Bike Ride
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore most of Ameland, offering an opportunity to take in the island at your own pace. You can rent a wide variety of bikes across the island, from tandems and cargo bikes to city bikes and electric bikes. It’s an easy and fun way to get around.
Did you know you can also rent bikes directly at Strandcamping Duinoord? Kiewiet Bicycle Rental has a rental station right at the campsite. If you rent a bike from Kiewiet as soon as you arrive, they’ll even take care of your luggage, transporting it from the ferry to the campsite, so you can jump straight into your adventure without delay!
Ameland boasts about 100 kilometers of well-maintained cycling paths, and if you’re not sure where to go, you can pick up various cycling maps at the local tourist office to help you plan your route.
If you’re looking for some great cycling routes, you’ll find plenty of options online. One standout is the 42-kilometer Ameland route from ANWB, which takes around three hours to complete. As you ride, you’ll pass through the charming village of Hollum, see the historic duck decoy established in 1705 by Princess Amalia of Orange, and visit the island’s iconic lighthouse. The route even passes right by Camping Duinoord, making your campsite the perfect starting and ending point for this scenic cycling journey.
#7 Museum Sorgdrager
Did you know that Ameland has been an independent entity for centuries? In the Middle Ages, it was even its own mini-state, known as a “Glory,” and for a long time, it wasn’t part of Friesland or Holland. It wasn’t until around 1700 that Ameland’s history began to intertwine with that of the rest of the Netherlands, when Princess Amalia van Anhalt Dessau of the House of Orange purchased the island. Even today, Ameland maintains its own “Free Lord”, a title that our King still holds making him the Free Lord of Ameland as well!
This long history of independence and isolation has helped shape the island’s unique culture, and you can explore this rich heritage at the Museum Sorgdrager. A visit to the museum will take you on a journey through the island’s fascinating past, from its whaling tradition and time as a mini-state, to the story of the castle that once stood on the island.
The museum is located in the village of Hollum, housed in an old commander’s residence where a whaling captain once lived. Built in 1751 by Pieter Cornelis Sorgdrager, the house was named after its original owner, and it now serves as the museum’s home. If you have a Museumkaart, you can enjoy free entry to this wonderful historical experience.
#8 Fire Sputum House
In the past, all four villages on Ameland had dedicated buildings for storing fire hoses, known as firehouses. These structures were put into use in 1913, and over a century later, one of them remains as a piece of history. The Fire Sputum House, located in the village of Nes, has been carefully restored to its original state. This small museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past, and the best part is that it is free to visit, with no ticket required to explore this historical gem.
#9 The War Bunkers of Ameland
Have you ever heard of the Atlantic Wall? This enormous defensive line, stretching an impressive 5,000 kilometers, was built by the German forces during World War II. It ran from Norway to the South of France, and Ameland was part of this formidable defense system. Bunkers and other fortifications were constructed in nine locations across the island. While some of these bunkers were destroyed, and others were buried beneath the sands of the dunes, many have been uncovered and are now open for exploration.
The Bunker Museum, located in the dunes to the west of Hollum, offers a fascinating insight into the island’s wartime history. For example, Ameland frequently saw sea mines wash up on its shores, and the island also endured British air raids. If you’re interested in visiting multiple bunkers, you can book a guided bicycle tour through the dunes, allowing you to explore several of these historic sites while enjoying the natural beauty of the island.
#10 Touring with a tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are often associated with bustling streets in Asia, but did you know that you can also find them on Ameland? Or maybe when you think of a ‘Piaggio Ape Calessino,’ your mind immediately turns to the charming sights of Italy and the iconic la dolce vita lifestyle? On Ameland, you can rent one of these photogenic vehicles for either a half-day or a full day, with or without a driver, and enjoy a relaxed journey around the island, discovering its most picturesque spots.
While tuk-tuks in Asia may often have a quirky, rustic feel, on Ameland, you can experience a sleek, modern version. These stylish vehicles come with a convertible roof, allowing you to bask in the sunshine on warm days as you cruise the island in comfort and style. It’s a unique way to explore the beauty of Ameland while enjoying every moment in the open air.
